Opening your acceptance email and finding out you’ll attend university in the United States is one of the most exciting moments of your life. Immediately, you’ll have a long list of things you’ll want to do when you arrive in the U.S. In all that excitement, take a moment to appreciate where you are and start setting yourself up for success before you leave home. Follow these tips to get the most of out of the months before you leave home:
Be a Tourist in Your Hometown
While the anticipation of attending a university in the United States grows, be sure to make the most out of the time in your home country before you leave. Returning home during the academic year will be difficult, as you’ll likely have to wait months and possibly the entire year before a break that will allow for a trip home. Go to the park, eat at your favorite restaurants or pay a visit to shops or markets that you love. Think about the things you enjoyed when you were younger and give them another try before you leave your home. These memories can help you get through the homesick moments of your first year and will remind you of all the wonderful things you get to come home to.
Spend Time with Family
Spend as much time as you can with every member of your family. They’ll miss you more than you know when you’re studying in the United States, and you’ll miss them more than you realize. Spending uninterrupted time with your parents, taking photos of your grandparents and relatives or learning how to cook your aunt’s favorite recipe are small moments that can mean a lot. If you’re leaving younger siblings behind, be sure to do their favorite activities with them before you head to university.
Set Goals for Your Upcoming Year
Decide what you want out of your year before you get to campus. Setting goals can remind you what you want to accomplish during your time studying abroad. Try to make them about more than just your studies. While getting straight A’s is a great goal, you could also make a goal to get to know people from several different states or countries before the end of the first semester or join two clubs on campus. These goals can remind you to get involved on campus and enjoy yourself as you learn how to balance your schedule.
Figure Out Logistics
Beyond making memories with family and friends, you’ll want to figure out all the logistics at home so you’re ready to go on move-in day. Order your books online or from the campus book store so you can pick them up once you arrive. Figure out your living situation if you plan to live off-campus, and what you’ll need in your apartment. Furniture rental is a great option because it allows you the flexibility to have a comfortable place to live without the stress, hassle and cost of buying your own furniture. CORT, the leading provider of furniture rental in the U.S., furnishes thousands of student apartments with everything from beds and sofas to housewares and electronics – all with affordable rental package options. Get to know the map of your university, so you know your way around before you even get there.
Even though there are lots of things to do before you leave home, balance your remaining time by spending it with the family and friends you will miss the most. Fill your mind with sweet memories to reminisce on, check a few items off your list, and you’ll set yourself up for a successful transition to university life in the U.S.
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